2 Corinthians 5:16-6:2
Read 2 Corinthians 5:16-6:2
Helpful Background Information:
In 2 Corinthians, Paul urges the people to be unified with him in their ministry. In chapter 5, Paul says that Christ’s love is the reason why they should live for Him (v.14). Part of living for Christ, according to Paul, is seeing people differently. Before a person is reconciled to God through Christ, they simply live for themselves and preoccupy themselves with outward appearances (v.12, 15). In Christ, however, the believer is a new creation (v.17) with a new vocation (v.20a).
As those who have been reconciled to God, believers are given “the ministry of reconciliation.” The work of an “ambassador” (v.20) is a ministry given to all Christians! In other ancient writings from the same time period as 2 Corinthians, the word “ambassador” was used in reference to a spokesman or a representative. In this sense, ambassadors are God’s representatives on earth who speak on His behalf. Paul tells the Corinthian believers that it is as though God were “making His appeal through us” (v.20b).
God chooses to use His people to accomplish His redemptive purposes in the world. Whether in 1st-century Corinth or 21st-century Fulton County, the call to and the need for reconciliation are great. There is no better time to partner with God in His redemptive work and to be an ambassador of reconciliation right where He has positioned you.
Reflection Questions:
Compare this passage with the central text this week in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23. What connections do you see? List at least two.
When the word “ambassador” is used, what images or connotations come to your mind? How do they compare to the way Paul is using the word in 2 Corinthians 5?
Whether you’re up early at the jobsite, in and out of the house, up late for school, or waiting in line at the drive-through, you are a representative of Jesus to the watching world. If someone were to follow you around throughout the course of your normal daily routine, would they conclude that you represent Christ well? Explain why or why not.
What makes representing Jesus difficult? List a few things that come to mind. Then, close by spending time in prayer and ask God to form you into the kind of person who does what Jesus would do if He were you.